Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train

Two unhurried nights across the roof of the Andes, from Cusco to Arequipa by way of Lake Titicaca, in a luxury hotel on rails.

• Duration: 1 or 2 nights
• Route: Cusco - Puno (Lake Titicaca) - Arequipa
• Class: luxury sleeper

Imagine waking in a private cabin as the altiplano turns gold outside your window. The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America's first luxury sleeper train, is not a way of getting from one city to another; it is the journey itself, a rolling hotel in deep indigo-blue and cream carriages that crosses southern Peru in two unhurried nights, linking Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa without a single hotel check-in or road transfer. From Cusco's Wanchaq station the train climbs out of the valley toward the La Raya pass, at roughly 14,100 feet one of the highest points on the route, and then rolls onto the vast altiplano: grasslands, llamas, snow-capped peaks and adobe villages that most travelers only glimpse from a bus window. Guided excursions are part of the journey, such as Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands, the Sumbay Caves and, in the longer itinerary, colonial Arequipa, the white-stone city beneath its volcanoes. The exact program varies by itinerary and season, so we confirm it for your date. Back on board is where the memories are made: 35 sleeper cabins with private bathrooms, two dining cars serving Peruvian cuisine, a piano bar car, the Picaflor spa car, live music and an open-air observation car where you can stand in the thin, bright mountain air and watch the Andes go by. Oxygen enrichment is available on board for comfort at altitude, and full-board dining and bar, plus the guided excursions, are part of the fare, so the whole experience comes in a single booking. We recommend it for honeymoons, anniversaries and anyone who wants the south of Peru to feel unforgettable rather than merely visited. We wish you a sunrise over the altiplano with a cup of coffee in hand, and we are here to arrange every detail.

Why we chose it

• It's the only way to cross the Andean altiplano between Cusco and Arequipa in genuine hotel-on-rails comfort, with private cabins instead of a bus seat.
• The pace itself is the experience: two unhurried days of shifting scenery, on-board dining and lounge time replace what would otherwise be a long overland transfer.
• Excursions to the Uros floating islands and Taquile are built into the itinerary, so guests get Lake Titicaca's highlights without arranging separate tours.
• It photographs and sells itself: the burnished carriages, dining cars and open-air platform give guests a singular souvenir experience distinct from any bus or flight.

Highlights

• Two nights from Cusco to Arequipa by way of Lake Titicaca, with no hotel check-ins or long road transfers
• 35 sleeper cabins, twin or bunk-bed, each with a private bathroom
• Two dining cars serving Peruvian cuisine, plus a piano bar car and live music
• An open-air observation car for the thin, bright mountain air and big views
• The Picaflor spa car, and oxygen enrichment on board for comfort at altitude
• Guided excursions included, such as Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands, the Sumbay Caves and colonial Arequipa
• Crosses the La Raya pass at roughly 14,100 feet
• Full-board dining and bar included, all in a single booking

Ideal for

• honeymooners and couples celebrating a special occasion
• travelers who value the journey as much as the destination
• luxury travelers continuing from Cusco to Puno or Arequipa
• photographers and train lovers

Practical information

Schedule

The Belmond Andean Explorer runs seasonally from May 1 through December 31 (not operating roughly Feb 4-Mar 4 or other low-season weeks). The Cusco-to-Arequipa journey (via Puno) typically departs Cusco on Thursdays around 11:00am and arrives in Arequipa on Saturday afternoon; the return Arequipa-to-Cusco departs on Sundays around 10:00am. This is a multi-night sleeper journey (1-3 nights) with limited weekly departures, not a daily service -- confirm current departure days and the seasonal calendar when booking.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the journey and what route does it follow?

The Andean Explorer offers a one-night journey between Cusco and Puno, and a longer two-night journey continuing from Puno to Arequipa, crossing the high Andean plains (altiplano) with stops for guided excursions along the way.

What's included in the fare?

Fares are all-inclusive: private cabin or suite accommodation, all meals in the dining cars, an open bar, and the scheduled guided excursions (such as the Uros floating islands and Taquile on Lake Titicaca, or colonial Arequipa on the longer route).

What cabin types are available?

Cabins range from bunk-bed cabins up to twin cabins and larger suites, all with a private en-suite bathroom; suites add a separate seating area.

When does the train operate?

The Andean Explorer runs nearly year-round. The dry season, roughly May through October, gives the clearest Andean skies and is the most popular time to travel, though departures continue outside those months as well.

Is the train wheelchair or mobility accessible?

The train's narrow corridors, cabin doorways and step-up boarding make it difficult for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility; anyone with mobility concerns should check directly with the operator before booking.

Which stations does the train depart from?

Cusco (Wanchaq Station), Puno (Lago Titicaca Station) and Arequipa, depending on the journey you choose.

Is there support for altitude on board?

Oxygen enrichment is available on board, and a nurse travels on the Cusco-Arequipa-Cusco routes. We also recommend spending a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco before you board.

Can children travel on the train?

Children under 3 travel free when sharing a cabin with an adult. Children over 3 pay the full adult fare and must be accompanied by an adult. Children's and vegetarian meals can be arranged in advance.

How much luggage can I bring?

One carry-on or backpack of up to 11 lbs (5 kg) per cabin is allowed in the cabin, and additional bags can be stored separately.